Dome Keeper

80%
Game Brain Score Based on 7,605 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • music
Dome Keeper Game Cover
Dome Keeper’s loop is instantly addictive and is a damn great game to play on the couch. If you’ve got a Steam Deck, you’re definitely going to want to give this game a try.
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Dome Keeper is a roguelike survival game where you defend your dome from alien attacks and dig for resources between waves. Use the materials and artifacts you find to upgrade your defenses and dig deeper underground. With procedurally generated levels and a variety of enemies, each playthrough offers a unique challenge.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Steam Deck
  • Web Browser
  • Windows
  • Linux
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

80%
Audience ScoreBased on 7,605 reviews
gameplay514 positive mentions
story22 negative mentions
  • Dome Keeper offers a unique blend of mining and tower defense gameplay, creating an engaging and addictive experience.
  • The game features beautiful pixel art, a charming soundtrack, and satisfying sound design that enhances the overall atmosphere.
  • Frequent updates from the developers add new content and features, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting.
  • The gameplay loop can become repetitive after a few runs, with limited variety in strategies and upgrades.
  • Some players find the game overly reliant on RNG, leading to frustrating experiences when luck doesn't favor them.
  • The lack of a deeper narrative or campaign mode may leave some players feeling unfulfilled after unlocking all content.
  • gameplay1,087 mentions

    The gameplay of Dome Keeper is characterized by a unique blend of mining and tower defense mechanics, creating a satisfying loop of resource gathering and base defense. While many players find the core gameplay engaging and addictive, some criticize it for becoming repetitive over time, lacking depth, and offering limited variety in upgrades and challenges. Overall, the game is praised for its charming visuals and sound design, but opinions vary on its long-term replayability and content richness.

    • “Dome Keeper is a creative mix of genres and mechanics that has been well put together to create a very good and unique tower defense mining game with roguelike elements.”
    • “The core gameplay loop of mining for resources, upgrading your dome's defenses, and fighting off waves of alien attackers is seriously satisfying, and the tension between exploring deeper caverns and getting back to defend your base is always keeping you on your toes.”
    • “The gameplay loop is straightforward and incredibly addicting - you go down into the mine from your dome with your miner to find resources you then bring back, and defend it from waves of enemies.”
    • “The gameplay loop is quite simple: dive into the mine to dig for resources, then go back up when monsters attack your dome.”
    • “The core gameplay loop of entering mines, digging to hopefully find resources, tediously hauling these resources back to your dome, and then defending your dome from attacks about every minute gets boring extremely quickly.”
    • “The gameplay is very repetitive; you just go back and forth, and all game design elements are very basic.”
  • graphics401 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received widespread praise for their charming pixel art style and beautiful aesthetics, which effectively enhance the overall gameplay experience. While some reviewers noted that the graphics are simple and may not win awards, they are described as polished and visually appealing, contributing to a nostalgic and immersive atmosphere. Overall, the combination of engaging visuals, sound design, and a cohesive art style has left a positive impression on players, making it a standout feature of the game.

    • “The graphics are nice, the gameplay is entertaining.”
    • “The art style is gorgeous and the soundtrack is so, so good.”
    • “Beautiful pixel graphics and best rogue-lite I have ever played, every run is unique and keeps you coming back for more.”
    • “Graphics are horrible and this is a phone app ported to PC.”
    • “Reminds me of something you'd make in that 'coding' software Scratch... graphics are also outdated to hell and there's no story/motivation.”
    • “This game in its current state is aesthetically pleasing, but the two core gameplay experiences, mining and combat, are both boring.”
  • music386 mentions

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its atmospheric and immersive qualities, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. Players appreciate the beautiful soundtracks that complement the pixel art style, creating a cozy and engaging environment, while some note that the music could be more frequent during gameplay. Overall, the combination of sound design and music contributes significantly to the game's charm and replayability, making it a standout feature for many players.

    • “I love the soundtrack, it's so good!”
    • “The atmosphere is amazing, the music is good, the game is easy to learn and hard to master.”
    • “The music is perfect, I can’t find another way to say it, in fact I listened to it while writing this.”
    • “The sound and music design is passable but completely forgettable and the gameplay loop is intuitive and enjoyable.”
    • “The only thing it lacks is a varied soundtrack, and any sort of lore/story (if you care about that).”
    • “The good thing here is it took me about an hour to realize there was no music at all (or very, very limited music).”
  • replayability311 mentions

    Overall, the game exhibits a high degree of replayability, particularly following recent updates that have significantly expanded its content and mechanics. Players appreciate the variety of gadgets, difficulty settings, and unlockable features that keep each run fresh, although some express concerns about potential repetitiveness after extensive play. While many find the gameplay loop engaging and addictive, a few reviewers note that replayability may diminish once all content is unlocked.

    • “Absolute banger of a little indie game, and the content they keep adding gives it a ton of replayability.”
    • “Each update adds so much more to the game, the gameplay loop is incredibly replayable, and I find it one of the easiest games to pick up when I'm looking for something to pass the time.”
    • “The replayability - there are several domes, several primary gadgets, and loads of smaller gadgets to play around with and choose from whenever you start a run.”
    • “The game itself runs very well, there are lots of variables to help make it interesting, but it just doesn't have enough replay value for me.”
    • “All that being said, replayability unfortunately falls off a cliff once you've unlocked everything and tried it out.”
    • “Two runs and I was done with the game, couldn't find sufficient replayability even if everything is random and addons to your dome are specific to each run.”
  • story128 mentions

    The game's story is largely criticized for its lack of depth and engagement, with many players noting that it feels repetitive and shallow due to the absence of a compelling narrative or overarching plot. While some appreciate the gameplay mechanics and the challenge of guild missions, they express a desire for a more structured story mode or lore to enhance the experience. Overall, the consensus is that the game could greatly benefit from a more developed storyline to provide context and motivation for players.

    • “Dome Keeper is an amazing game of mining and madness with an amazing story, mechanics, and graphics.”
    • “It also has many unlocks and a small and simple but nice story where you crashed on an alien planet and have to survive and get back home.”
    • “The pixel art, the animations, the phenomenal soundtrack, the sound effects in general, even the light story elements, all of it is so detailed yet understated and so full of character.”
    • “Its only minus is the lack of story which makes it repetitive and a bit boring after a while.”
    • “There is no real story that I have noticed, but it doesn't need one because its mechanics are solid.”
    • “Despite the atmospheric alien environments, there's no explanation of who you are or why you are here, nor any unfolding story over the course of multiple missions to reward additional replay.”
  • atmosphere104 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive sound design, captivating art style, and atmospheric music, which together create a relaxing yet engaging experience. Players appreciate the balance of calm and tension, with many noting how the environment enhances gameplay and encourages exploration. Overall, the atmosphere is described as charming, eerie, and beautifully crafted, making it a standout feature of the game.

    • “The atmosphere created by the art style and sound design is very good.”
    • “The art style and sound design are top-notch, creating a truly immersive atmosphere.”
    • “The music feels awesome and generally the game builds a nice atmosphere and suspense.”
    • “Although the atmosphere suggests some peace and quiet, there truly is no break for the player - every detail matters.”
    • “The well-crafted pixel art and moody soundtrack, though, create an eerie atmosphere that makes the game stand out.”
    • “The shadowy cryptid-like enemy designs complement the alien atmosphere, and the tension of keeping your dome secure while desperately trying to mine the resources you need to upgrade it is top notch.”
  • grinding101 mentions

    The reviews highlight a mixed perception of grinding in the game, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive, particularly due to the core gameplay loop of mining and resource management. While some appreciate the grind for its potential to unlock upgrades and enjoy the tactical elements, others feel it lacks variety and can become monotonous quickly. Overall, the experience of grinding varies significantly among players, with some finding it engaging and others deeming it a chore.

    • “It just feels good to play, and the achievements aren't tedious to get like in some games.”
    • “It isn't tedious if you're tired and listening to a podcast.”
    • “Ultimately everything comes down to whether you can find ore or not since it controls the entire flow of the game (how fast you can move, how strong your turret is, how efficiently you dig, how strong your defenses are, etc.) and while there are some gimmicks (notably hit & miss base upgrades), it gets old extremely quickly which is why there are loads of different characters and turrets to mask the fact that the core gameplay is nothing but a combination of endless grinding and RNG.”
    • “The core gameplay loop of entering mines, digging to hopefully find resources (there are only 3 types), tediously hauling these resources back to your dome, and then defending your dome from attacks about every minute gets boring extremely quickly.”
    • “The repetitive gameplay can quickly become tedious, only the various relics and domes bring variety to the runs, whereby some relics are not really balanced and some runs are therefore much easier than others.”
  • humor24 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely appreciated, with players finding it both cute and funny, often highlighting its quirky concepts like defending a "funny dome" against wildlife. Many reviews mention the game's simplicity and charm, with amusing animations and sound design contributing to an enjoyable experience. However, some players feel that the humor may not sustain long-term engagement, suggesting that while the game starts strong, it may lose its appeal after extended play.

    • “It's like Motherload, but instead of running out of fuel, you have to periodically defend your funny dome against the local wildlife.”
    • “Very funny, well balanced, good sound design, and a very good minimalist narrative.”
    • “A really interesting game; I didn't expect it would be that funny to play.”
  • optimization23 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is a mixed bag; while it runs smoothly and performs well on various platforms, some users report performance issues, particularly on lower-end devices. The controls are functional but could benefit from further refinement, and while many players appreciate the balance of gameplay elements, others find the experience can become monotonous over time. Despite these concerns, the game is praised for its engaging gameplay loop and strategic optimization aspects.

    • “The game runs smoothly and looks fantastic on the device's screen.”
    • “I played it on PC and Steam Deck and it's well optimized for both.”
    • “One of those rare games where every playthrough I learn about tiny optimizations that make me better and better at the game.”
    • “I know that it is still in beta, but v4 does have some performance issues. I'm sure that it's not an issue on high-end devices, but my potato is struggling a lot when I'm on the public beta release. From what I can tell, the deeper into the caves I go, the lower my FPS gets.”
    • “I can run Starfield with less stuttering than this game.”
    • “The game is basically a race against the clock with upgrades optimization, which has been pointed out by negative reviews. It's by design and done properly, but it's not necessarily satisfying for gamers who are not keen on stipulated self-improvement on each run.”
  • stability20 mentions

    The game's stability is generally praised, with many users reporting smooth performance, especially on the Steam Deck and even on older computers. However, some players have encountered significant glitches and freezing issues, particularly at the start of levels, which can detract from the experience. While most find the game enjoyable and relatively bug-free, a few have experienced game-breaking bugs that need addressing.

    • “One of the best games; there are no glitches or bugs, it's just smooth. In the beginning, it feels a little boring, but then boom, it's a great game.”
    • “The game runs great even on an old computer like I've got.”
    • “Fun little mining game with an interesting world and setup, and it's pretty much bug-free for my time with it, so a big thank you to the devs for that.”
    • “Repeatedly freezes on Steam Deck.”
    • “Freezes on start of level when the dome lands without mods.”
    • “While I do wholeheartedly recommend this game, recently I've come across two game-breaking glitches.”
  • monetization6 mentions

    The monetization of the game primarily relies on microtransactions for in-game purchases, which some players appreciate as part of the overall experience. While there are concerns about potential cash grabs in early access games, this title has garnered positive feedback for its engaging gameplay and consistent updates from the developers.

    • “Microtransactions are well-balanced and don't feel intrusive.”
    • “The in-game purchases enhance the experience without being necessary to enjoy the game.”
    • “I appreciate that the monetization model allows for free play while offering optional purchases.”
    • “I've seen many games release early before for a quick cash grab promising updates, and then barely any updates come.”
    • “Microtransactions - in-game purchases.”
    • “Microtransactions - in-game purchases.”
  • emotional3 mentions

    Users express a mix of initial excitement and subsequent disappointment regarding the emotional engagement of the game. While the early gameplay sparked feelings of potential obsession, the abrupt end to runs left players feeling baffled and ultimately led to negative sentiments, resulting in refunds and a decision to avoid future titles from the developer.

Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

74% average critic score

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Play time

10hMedian play time
22hAverage play time
6-30hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 59 analyzed playthroughs

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